Aaron Judge has started the 2023 season on a high note, showing off his batting skill. He picked up from his 2022 AL MVP season and doesn’t seem to have lost a step. Furthermore, his captaincy and leadership abilities have been on full display. Most recently, the Yankees captain denied Shohei Ohtani a big hit with a clutch defensive play in the outfield.

Judge has helped lead the New York Yankees to an 11-7 win-loss record despite players’ injuries and inconsistent play. But his epic defensive play from the reigning AL MVP was truly a clutch moment.

Aaron Judge prevented a Shohei Ohtani home run

Yankees captain Aaron Judge is in good form to start the season, his batting and fielding both being on display. Most recently, he made a massive fielding play to prevent a Shohei Ohtani home run. Ohtani had hit a bomb toward centerfield and Judge was able to keep it in the ballpark by grabbing the hit ball. This was a massive clutch play that eventually helped the Yankees win the game. FOX Sports: MLB shared a video of the catch on Twitter.

In a Tweet, FOX Sports: MLB said, “AARON JUDGE ROBBED OHTANI 🚨”. The star outfielder tipped the ball back into the field with his left hand and had great reflexes to catch it with his right. It was a massive play that helped the Yankees get some momentum in the first inning. They went on to win the game 3-2 eventually.

Read More: A Rare Slip-up From Aaron Judge May Have Just Hinted at New York Yankees’ Real Intentions Towards Shohei Ohtani

The reactions to Judge’s defensive play have been of shock and admiration. Some fans were shocked by the defensive play. Others cheered for the Yankees captain’s fielding prowess.

Some fans celebrated the catch.

Others were left shocked by the play.

The star outfielder has truly been in great form to start the season. Judge has led the Yankees to a special feat. They are the only team who haven’t lost a series yet. It will be interesting to see what other surprises he will show us this season.

Judge is living up to massive expectations

This off-season, Aaron Judge signed a massive $360 million contract, with massive expectations placed on his shoulders. So far this season, Judge is more than living up to those expectations. In fact, he is once again a contender to win the AL MVP award. Fans will be hoping that he keeps this form going and helps lead the Yankees to the World Series.

Watch This Story: Top 5 most electrifying home runs by New York Yankees star Aaron Judge

What do you think of this massive defensive play by Aaron Judge to deny Shohei Ohtani a home run? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!